The Chouquettes from Patisserie De Ambassades in South Harlem are small, easy to share and very versatile—making them the perfect snack for a walk in Central Park. And at three for $1.75 they're a great value. More

When the seasons change or a holiday is approaching, you can count on Dominique Ansel to debut some beautiful new creations for his bakery. You can also bet that there will be at least one specialty religieuse that's artfully decorated to match the occasion. More

A golden croissant ($3) is flecked with crushed walnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh, with endless buttery layers (that should be more flaky) and a heart of walnut cream. Walnut cream? Yes. Think frangipane made with walnuts in place of almonds. More

Crunchy puff pastry is layered with frozen hazelnut mousse (which ends up tasting like a semifreddo) folded with toasted, crushed hazelnuts, and espresso-soaked cake. It's a potent, intense dessert, and that one slice can easily be shared between two. More

A good croissant is hard to find. To turn a butter-based dough into a pastry that's simultaneously soft and flaky, shatter-crisp and mouth-meltingly tender, is a difficult thing indeed. Where is the best in New York City? We found out. More

[Photo: Kathy YL Chan] Citrus scones are out, and cherry scones ($3) are in at Maialino. They start with a buttery dough, golden and dotted with an abundance of sweet cherries. Crisp-surfaced and sugar-sprinkled, the petite size of this scone... More

[Photo: Kathy YL Chan] Duane Park Patisserie is known for its great Apple Turnovers ($2.50). These golden, flaky wonders must be procured before 10 a.m., lest they sell out for the day. But on a few recent visits, I found... More